So German!
May 24, 2018 - Stefan Garczorz for SoGerman
What brought German winemakers to Canada? How did they establish their businesses? What’s the difference between German and Canadian wine?
SoGerman talked with four German-Canadian winegrowers who live in Southern Ontario.
Claudia Konzelmann is the Vice President of Konzelmann Estate Winery.
(SoGerman) Why did you come to Canada?
Claudia: Because of my father. As a family, we were involved in the wine business since 1893. However, it became more and more difficult to rent vineyards, since we didn’t own them. My father was adventurous and immigrated to Canada in 1984. First, he wanted to buy land in British Columbia however, due to the advice of friends he went to Southern Ontario, to purchase land there since it’s the fruit belt of Canada. Therefore, he sold everything he owned in Germany and took the risk to make a living in Canada.
And regarding your personal biography? When did you move to Canada?
I moved to Canada 23 years ago, in 1995, to work in the family-owned business.
What would you recommend to people who would like to move to Canada?
I think in general, if someone decides to immigrate to another country, he will face difficulties in the first couple of years. However, if you are brave enough and motivated, you can make it in Canada. Furthermore, life is more relaxed here, people are not so stressed than in Germany. Canadians don’t create a lot of obstacles hindering you from integrating.
What are the most common types of wine you produce in the Southern Ontario?
More or less everything (Riesling, Merlot etc.) we know from Germany except the Trollinger (a wine from Schwaben).
Do these wines differ from the ones in Germany?
Well, the alcohol volume is slightly the same. However, the quality of the wine is very high. For example, our ice vine has won various prices.
Regarding the ice wine, which is not so common in Germany, do you export your wines as well?
Well, many wines are sold in Ontario, some are exported to the US. For Europe, we exported some wines before; however, we do not anymore, since it’s very difficult in terms of marketing.
Do you have still connections to Germany?
I don’t have much family in Germany anymore. However, once or twice a year I travel to Germany. I love the culture and the food. It’s also very lovely to travel around there.
And are many Germans among the tourists that visit you in Canada?
Yes, especially in the summertime. Our winery is built in the style of a castle, so it’s very prominent in the region. For many tourists, it’s an eye-catcher, leading them to our place.
Thank you for your time!
